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The Best Homemade Chocolate Brownie Frosting Recipe

The Best Homemade Chocolate Brownie Frosting

A quick, warm, pourable chocolate frosting designed for a 9-by-13-inch pan of brownies. It sets into a smooth, rich topping in about 20 to 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Frosting
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) Unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (21-22 g) Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (about 360 g) Powdered sugar, sifted

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Place the butter, cocoa powder, and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
  2. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Do not let it boil for a prolonged period, since overboiling can make the frosting greasy or grainy.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the sifted powdered sugar gradually, whisking after each addition until the frosting is smooth, thick, and still pourable.
  4. Pour the warm frosting over warm brownies and spread it quickly with a spatula. Allow the brownies to cool for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the frosting sets.

Notes

For the smoothest frosting, sift both the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. An optional pinch of about 1/8 teaspoon salt can balance the sweetness when using unsalted butter. For a richer variation, replace part of the milk with 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream.